Celes would never blame him for any of this. She knew how Gaia worked. She only thought she'd been a fool both times for imagining, even for just a second, that nothing would change. Gaia had proven her wrong both times.

The flowers finally capture her attention and she looks down at them, only letting go of Locke's shoulders when she's sure he won't fall over. She slowly reaches for the flowers. This time she manages to get them and she can't help but sneak a glance at him, wondering if Gaia would be so cruel as to rip him away a second time like this.

"They're lovely, Locke." Broken stems and all. "Thank you."

She has to tell him - she knows she does - but it's just so hard.

"I'm glad you're still here this time."

It's an awful attempt at a joke, but it's the thought that counts, right?